NATO Chief Claims: Italy rejected NATO Chief’s claims, said limited permission was given on the use of American aircraft

A big dispute has arisen between Italy and NATO. NATO Chief Mark Rutte had claimed that US military aircraft used Italian land and airspace during the war against Iran. Now the Italian government has completely rejected these claims, calling them false.

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What was the claim of NATO Chief

NATO Chief Mark Rutte had said in an interview to Fox News that during ‘Operation Epic Fury’, about 500 American planes had taken off from the American base in Italy. He also said that during this war, American planes made 4,000 to 5,000 sorties from European bases. However, a NATO official later clarified that Rutte was only referring to technical assistance provided under old agreements, and not direct combat operations.

Italian government’s counterattack

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described Rutte’s words as completely misleading. He clarified that Italy had given permission only for technical and logistics work in which weapons were not used. Crosetto said that whenever a demand was made that was beyond the limits, Italy did not approve it.

Italy’s Defense Ministry issued a statement saying the country has always followed its constitution, international agreements and parliamentary rules. At the same time, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called this entire controversy a minor matter and said that Rutte’s words have been misinterpreted.

Terms and Conditions

Italy and America have old agreements dating back to the 1950s. Under these, the US Navy base can be used for training and logistics works. But if an aircraft has weapons and is to be used for war, then the approval of the Italian Parliament is required.

• In March 2026, Italy refused to use the Ciconella airbase because the US had not obtained the necessary approval.
• The US has about 120 military facilities in Italy, including Ciconella and Aviano air bases.

This controversy has come at a time when there was tension between Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and former US President Donald Trump on the Iran issue. Meloni has clearly said that Italy is a sovereign country and its land will be used only as per the agreed agreements.